Providing Broadcast Content

ABSTRACT

A method for providing broadcast content is disclosed. The method maintains a system to deliver regionally broadcasted content to an electronic device located outside a region of the regionally broadcasted content, provides an application for the electronic device that allows the electronic device to request a streaming media signal representing the regionally broadcasted content even if the electronic device is located outside of the region, and communicates the streaming media signal to the electronic device responsive to a user request.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/015,320, filed Jan. 16, 2008 entitled “Method for Managing Media,”which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,324,833, which issued on Jan.29, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,187,947, whichissued on Mar. 6, 2007, the disclosures of which are all herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to digitally stored content and, morespecifically, to a content delivery system and method.

BACKGROUND

The first commercial radio stations in the United States began operationaround 1920. Today, there may be as many as 12,000 radio stations in theUnited States programming in several distinct formats. When broadcastingtheir respective signals, these radio stations often use an analogsignal, which may be modulated based on frequency or amplitude.Frequency modulated (FM) radio appears to be the dominant entertainmentmedium while amplitude modulated (AM) radio seems to be a popular outletfor news and information.

Unfortunately, analog radio may be unable to provide the sound qualityand consistency that radio listeners desire. As such, severalbroadcasting related companies have begun to consider a movement todigital radio. Unlike analog radio reception, digital radio receptionmay be able to provide compact disk (CD) quality sound while remainingvirtually immune to interference. Being immune to interference mayresult in reducing static growls or “multipath” echoes, echoes caused bysignal reflections off buildings or topographical features.

Some countries, like Canada and many European countries, may choose tohave digital radio operate in a single digital radio band such as theL-band between 1452-1492 megahertz (MHz). This band would allow thereception of both terrestrially and satellite-originated signals. Bycomparison, FM radio typically operates between 88 and 108 MHz while AMradio typically operates between 0.525 and 1.705 MHz. Neither of thesebands allows for easy transmission via satellite.

Canada proposed using the L-Band for digital radio as early as 1992.Several countries throughout the world have since agreed to use theL-Band for digital radio with one notable exception. It appears theUnited States has chosen not to operate its digital radio within theL-Band. In the United States, the L-Band may already be committed formilitary uses. Apparently, the United States plans to adopt a systemcalled in-band on-channel, or IBOC, which fits within the AM and FMfrequencies.

IBOC technology may offer some advantages over L-Band transmissions. Forexample, there may be no need for new spectrum allocations. There may bebackward and forward compatibility with existing AM and FM systems onboth the transmitter and receiver sides, and there may be alow-investment upgrade to digital systems. Unfortunately, a workableIBOC solution is yet to be seen though technology may someday make IBOCdigital radio commercially possible.

Even if an IBOC solution becomes commercially available in the UnitedStates, IBOC digital radio may suffer from several shortcomings. Forexample, there may global standardization problems. Though the UnitedStates favors IBOC, the European and Canadian communities seem to favorL-Band making the establishment of a global standard difficult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantagesthereof may be acquired by referring to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a general system for wirelessly communicating selectiveinformation to an electronic device in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a method of wirelesslycommunicating selected information to an electronic device;

FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic device operable to receive selectedaudio information in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface (GUI) for displayingselectable audio information according to one aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a portable radio system having a mount for anelectronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates an automobile console having a mount for coupling anelectronic device according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a system for communicating voicemail messages using email according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for providing voice email messagesaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for providing selectedaudio information to an electronic device according to one embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an automobile console having a mount for anelectronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The conceptual groundwork for the present invention includes wirelesslycommunicating selective information to an electronic device. Accordingto one aspect, a user may interact with the Internet to selectinformation, such as audio information, and wirelessly communicate theselected information to an electronic device. The electronic devicereceives the information via a wireless communications network andprocesses the information accordingly. In a particularized form, a usermay select information from an Internet website operable to allowselectivity of audio information such as songs, on-line radio stations,on-line broadcasts, streaming audio, or other selectable information.Upon selecting the audio information, information or data associatedwith the selected audio information is wirelessly communicated to anelectronic device. The electronic device may then be used to process theselected audio information. In this manner, a user may receive selectiveaudio information via a wireless electronic device.

In one form, the electronic device may be operable to communicate withan individual's automobile audio system. A user may select audioinformation utilizing a personal computer with access to a websiteoperable to display selectable audio information. The selected audioinformation may then be wirelessly communicated to the electronic deviceassociated with an automobile's audio system. Therefore, upon receivingthe selected audio information, a user may access and play the receivedaudio information utilizing the electronic device in association withthe automobile's audio system.

The present invention is not limited to communicating only audioinformation. One skilled in the art can appreciate that other types ofinformation, such as video, textual, etc. may be communicated utilizingthe systems and methods disclosed herein without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, it will beunderstood that information may be formatted in a plurality of ways atdifferent phases of communication without loosing the underlying contentof the selected information. For example, an audio file may beformatted, segmented, compressed, modified, etc. for the purpose ofproviding or communicating the audio invention. Therefore, the term“audio information” or “information” is used in a general sense torelate to audio information in all phases of communication.

FIG. 1 depicts a general system for wirelessly communicating selectiveinformation to an electronic device in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention. The system, illustrated generally at 100, includes adigital engine 101 coupled to a communications engine 102.Communications engine 102 is remotely coupled to an electronic device103. Digital engine 101 may be directly or indirectly coupled to storagedevice 105 operable to store information. Digital engine 101 maintainsinformation or data associated with selected information in a digitalformat. The information may be stored within storage device 105 or otherstorage devices operable to maintain data or information associated withthe selected information.

Communications engine 102 is communicatively coupled to digital engine101 and operable to wirelessly communicate the selected information toelectronic device 103. During operation, audio information may beselected by a user utilizing a personal computer or other devicesoperable to communicate with an information network. Digital engine 101is operable to maintain information associated with the selected audioinformation. For example, the information could be several songs ortitles configured as an audio file and formatted in a digital formatsuch as an MP3 file, wave file, etc. The maintained information may alsobe a reference to a network location where an audio file may be stored,a network location where a network broadcast of audio information may belocated, etc. or other network locations having information associatedwith the selected audio information. Therefore, digital engine 101 maymaintain a plurality of different types of information or dataassociated with the selected audio information.

System 100, utilizing communication engine 102, may wirelesslycommunicate data or information associated with the selected audioinformation to electronic device 103 thereby providing wirelesscommunication of selected information to an electronic device operableto receive wireless communications. In one embodiment, digital engine101 may be used in association with an Internet website configured toprovide access to selectable information. The Internet website operablyassociated with digital engine 101 allows a user to select informationto be wirelessly communicated to electronic device 101 utilizing anetwork environment. The Internet website may include several differenttypes of information related to audio information.

FIG. 4, described in greater detail below, illustrates one embodiment ofproviding an Internet website for displaying selectable audioinformation. For example, the Internet website may include music and/orartist search engines, playlists, top 10 charts, artists by genre, andother information associated with audio information. A user may selectinformation associated with the audio information and digital engine 101can maintain the information or data associated with the selectedinformation in a digital format. Communications engine 102 coupled todigital engine 101 may wirelessly communicate data associated with theselected audio information to electronic device 103. Therefore, a usermay access and select audio information via an Internet website andwirelessly communicate the data to an electronic device. As such, system100 advantageously allows for wireless communication of selected audioinformation to electronic devices that may be remotely located from aconventional terrestrial communication network.

Electronic device 105 may be configured in a plurality of ways forreceiving wireless communication of selected audio information. In oneembodiment, electronic device 105 may be operable as a componentconfigured to receive a cellular signal comprising the selectedinformation communicated by the communication engine. For example, adevice having a cellular modem may be operable to receive theinformation at specified intervals. Upon receiving the information theelectronic device may process the received information. Electronicdevices are described in more detail below and may include a networkradio, a modular device, an audio system, a personal digital assistant(PDA), a cellular phone, or other electronic devices operable to receiveinformation wirelessly communicated by communication engine 102.

Communications engine 102 may be operable to wirelessly communicateselected information to electronic device 103 in a plurality of ways.The present invention advantageously allows for several differentembodiments of wirelessly communicating selected audio information toelectronic device 103 and is not limited to any specific configurationdescribed below. Several different types or combinations of wirelesscommunication may be realized by the present invention. Communicationsengine 102 may be operable to wirelessly communicate the selectedinformation from an information network, such as the Internet, to anelectronic device operable to receive wireless communications. In oneembodiment, communications engine 102 may comprise a conduit tointerface information with a wireless communication network. The conduitmay configure the information located within the information networkinto a format operable to be transmitted via wireless communication.

For example, a wireless device may be operable to receive packets ofinformation having a specific size and in a specific format. In such anembodiment, communications engine 102 could format the information intoa desirable format for wirelessly communicating the information toelectronic device 103. Several types of wireless communication may beused by communications engine 102 to communicate the selectedinformation to an electronic device. Communications networks such asGSM, Digital Satellite communication, SB, Radio bands, DRC, SuperDRC orother systems or types of transmission such as TDMA, CDMA, spreadspectrum, etc. or frequencies such as between about 1.7 GHz and 2.0 GHzmay be realized by the present invention for communicating informationor data representing the selected audio information to electronic device103.

In one embodiment, the selective information may be communicated using adigital broadcast signal. Digital broadcast includes providinginformation via a signal such as AM, FM, and the like. Digitalinformation may be included or encoded as a sub-carrier within thebroadcast signal and received by electronic device 103. A digitalsub-carrier may include a selective bandwidth of frequencies for aspecific radio station (i.e., 6 MHz for FM). The selective informationmay be wirelessly communicated to electronic device 103 utilizing acommunication engine 102 operable to communicate the selectiveinformation via a digital FM signal. In this manner, selectiveinformation may be communicated within digital FM sub-carriers to anelectronic device operable to receive the information. For example, auser may subscribe to communicate the information via an FM sub-carrierand receive the selective data through wireless communication via aspecified FM sub-carrier.

In one embodiment, the selected information may be formatted andtransmitted to achieve a desirable transmission rate. For example,conventional systems may transmit information at a speed of 10 kilobitsper second. Therefore, for 1 megabyte of information to be communicatedto an electronic device, a transmission time of approximately 800seconds may be required. The present invention may allow for a relativeincrease in transmission speed by removing the requirement thatinformation be communicated asynchronously to an electronic device. Forexample, conventional wireless communication utilizes a specifiedfrequency to communicate information in two directions (i.e., cellularphones). As such, information is communicated across a channel in anasynchronous manner to provide a continuous audio signal to therecipient.

The present invention advantageously allows for signals to betransmitted to an electronic device in a less than asynchronous manner.For example, if a user selected a song to be wirelessly communicated toan electronic device, system 100 could communicate the information in aless than asynchronous manner allowing the selected information to betransmitted efficiently thereby decreasing the overall download time forthe selected audio information. In one embodiment, the selectedinformation may be compressed and transmitted across the same frequencybut at different phases thereby allowing plural signals having differentphases to be wirelessly communicated to an electronic device. Therefore,the electronic device may be operable to receive multiple phased signalsand process the selective information accordingly.

In one embodiment, the information may be wirelessly communicated at arelatively slow transmission rate. For example, a user may schedule whenthe selected audio information may be used by electronic device 103. Theuser may select several different audio tracks or songs to betransmitted to an electronic device associated with the user's vehiclesuch that the user can listen to the user selected audio informationduring the drive home at the end of a workday. Therefore, it may bedesirable to utilize a slower transfer speed due to the extended amountof time available prior to actual use of the selected audio information.In this manner, communications networks having less or slower transferrates may be used to wirelessly communicate the selected audioinformation to the electronic device.

In another embodiment, high-speed wireless communication networks may beused to communicate the selected audio information. For example, a usermay want to listen to an Internet broadcast of an Internet radiostation. Therefore, high-speed communication may be required towirelessly communicate or stream the selected audio information to anelectronic device. In another embodiment, a hybrid of wirelesscommunication rates may be deployed depending on the requirements of theselected audio information and/or the electronic device. For example,the selected audio information may first be transmitted to theelectronic device via high-speed communication until enough informationhas been wirelessly communicated and buffered into a memory deviceoperably associated with the electronic device. Upon communication of acertain percentage of the selected audio information, slowercommunication speeds may then be used to communicate additional selectedaudio information.

Therefore, system 100 may be configured in a plurality of ways tocommunicate selected information to electronic device 103. Digitalengine 101 may be used to maintain data or information associated withthe selected information and communication engine 102, communicativelycoupled to digital engine 101, may wirelessly communicate selectedinformation to electronic device 103.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a method of wirelesslycommunicating selected information to an electronic device. The methodmay be used in association with the system illustrated in FIG. 1 orother systems operable to utilize the method of FIG. 2.

The method begins generally at step 200. At step 201, selectable audioinformation may be accessed utilizing a network communications device.For example, selectable audio information may be displayed at anInternet website accessible by a personal computer. In anotherembodiment, the selectable information may be accessed utilizing awireless communications device such as, a cellular phone, a PDA device,or other devices operable to provide access to the selectable audioinformation.

Upon accessing the selectable information, the method proceeds to step202 where a user can identify or select audio information to bewirelessly communicated to an electronic device. For example, a user mayselect an entire album to be wirelessly communicated to a PDA device.

Upon the user selecting the audio information, the method proceeds tostep 203 where the method maintains information associated with theselected information. In one embodiment, the information may be an audiofile, such as a wave file, and MP3 file, etc. representative of theselected audio information. In another embodiment, a network locationthat comprises a file representing the selected information may bemaintained. Another example may include a network location of a networkbroadcast of audio information. Therefore, the method at step 203 maymaintain several different types of information associated with theselected audio information.

Upon maintaining information or data associated with the selectedinformation, the method proceeds to step 204 where the method wirelesslycommunicates information associated with the selected information to anelectronic device. For example, if an audio file associated with theselected audio information was maintained, the method would communicatethe audio file to the electronic device. In another embodiment, a linkor network address broadcasting the selected audio information may beaccessed and, at step 204, wirelessly communicated to an electronicdevice. In another embodiment, a combination of different types of audioinformation may be wirelessly communicated to an electronic device. Upontransmitting the selected audio information, the method proceeds to step205 where the method ends.

Selected audio information may be communicated in a plurality of ways asdescribed above including communicating via a cellular communicationsnetwork to an electronic device operable to receivecellularly-communicated signals. For example, the information may beselected from a website operable to display selectable information. Uponselecting the audio information, a data file representing the selectedaudio information may be wirelessly communicated to an electronic devicethereby allowing a user to select audio information via the Internet andwirelessly communicate the information to an electronic device.

In some embodiments, the wireless communication to an electronic devicemay occur in an off-line environment. For example, a user may go“on-line” to access a website and select information and then go“off-line” or end the browsing session. The wireless communication maythen occur while the user is off-line thereby removing the confines ofusing an active or on-line browsing environment (i.e. Internet radiobroadcast, streaming audio, etc.) for accessing selected information.Therefore, the method of FIG. 2 allows for information, such as audioinformation, to be communicated from a network location such as a website, to an electronic device “via” wireless communication. The presentinvention advantageously allows users to access and download informationaccessible by a network location to an electronic device operable toreceive wireless communications thereby reducing the need for landlines, terrestrial communication networks, etc. for communicatingselective information.

In one embodiment, the method of FIG. 2 may be deployed in associationwith an Internet website operable to display selectable links fordownloading information. The information may include audio informationsuch as MP3s, streaming audio, streaming. Internet broadcasts, etc. areselectable by a user and operable to be wirelessly communicated to anelectronic device. By providing a user with a website of selectableaudio information operable to be wireless communicated to an electronicdevice, a user may customize information communicated to an electronicdevice. In one embodiment, a user may communicate information to anelectronic device that may not be owned by the user. For example themethod of FIG. 2 could be modified to allow a user to wirelesslycommunicate audio information to a plurality of electronic devices thatmay or may not be owned by the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic device operable to receive selectedaudio information in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention. Electronic device 300 includes a communication module 301such as a transceiver coupled to storage medium 303 such as a high speedbuffer, programmable memory, or other devices operable to storeinformation. Electronic device 300 may also include processor 302operably associated with communication module 301 and storage medium303. Processor 302 may be operable to process wirelessly communicatedselected information and in one embodiment may be integrated as part ofcommunication module 301 of storage medium 303. In the same manner, aslarger scale integration of electronic devices proliferate,communication module 301, processor 302, and storage medium 303 may beintegrated into one communication component or device operable aselectronic device 300.

Processor 302 may be operable using software that may be stored withinstorage medium 303. In one embodiment, software upgrades may becommunicated to electronic device 300 via wireless communicationallowing for efficient system upgrades for electronic device 300.Storage medium 303 may include one or several different types of storagedevices. For example, storage medium 303 may include programmable gatearrays, ROM devices, RAM devices, EEPROMs, minidisks or other memorydevices operable to store information.

During use, electronic device 300 receives wireless communications ofselective information. The information may be transmitted via a wirelesscommunications network and received by electronic device 300 viatransceiver 301. Transceiver 301 may be operable to convert the receivedwireless communication signal into a desirable format and store thereceived information within storage medium 303. The received informationmay then be processed by electronic device 300.

In one embodiment, electronic device 300 may be operable as an audioplayer configured to play digital representations of music. For example,electronic device 300 may also include an MP3 player operable to processthe received information into an audio signal. Therefore, electronicdevice 300 may be used to receive wirelessly communicated MP3 audiofiles and play these files using an MP3 player when desired. In anotherembodiment, electronic device 300 may be configured as a PDA wherein thePDA includes a web browser operable to wirelessly communicate with theInternet. The PDA device may include a user interface allowing a user toselect information to be wirelessly communicated to electronic device300.

By providing a website of selectable information, the PDA devices mayprovide an efficient embodiment for electronic device 300 in that isallows a user to access and select information using a wirelesscommunication network and receive the selected information using thesame or different wireless communication network. In yet anotherembodiment, electronic device 300 may be configured as a componentoperable to receive selective information via wireless communication andcommunicate the information to a second electronic device such as anautomobile sound system, home stereo, etc.

For example, electronic device 300 may utilize transceiver 301 toreceive wirelessly communicated information. Electronic device 300 maythen be coupled to an automobile sound system using an interface andcommunicate the received information to the automobile sound system. Inthis manner, electronic device 300 may be used to provide the automobilesound system with audio files received via wireless communication.

In another embodiment, electronic device 300 may be operable tocommunicate the received audio information to an audio system via alocalized communications-signaling network. One such network may includeutilizing “Bluetooth” communication standard, used to providecommunication between electronic devices in a proximal setting. In oneembodiment, electronic device 300 may be integrated into an audiocomponent such as a radio receiver. Electronic device 300 integratedinto an audio component may be configured to process digital audio fileswirelessly communicated to an audio component. In another embodiment,electronic device 300 may be operable to communicate with an analogreceiver at a predetermined frequency.

For example, a specific frequency may be selected (i.e., 93.7 MHz) forcommunicating the wireless received selected information from electronicdevice 300 to a localized audio system. Electronic device 300communication of the wirelessly received information allows aconventional receiver to receive the selected audio information. In oneembodiment, the conventional receiver may be configured to receive adigital sub-carrier, on-carrier, or other within a specified frequency.Therefore, electronic device 300 may be operable to locally transmit thesignal at a specific frequency thereby allowing the conventionalreceiver to receive the information. In another embodiment, electronicdevice 300 may be operable to scan plural bandwidths to receive theselective information. For example, transceiver 301 may be operable toreceive selective information across several frequencies and process thereceived information accordingly.

In another embodiment, electronic device 300 may be operable to scanseveral frequencies to obtain the desirable information. For example, auser may select several Internet broadcasts comprised of streaming audioinformation. Therefore, the information may be transmitted acrossseveral wireless frequencies receivable by electronic device 300.Electronic device 300 may then be operable to allow a user to scanwirelessly communicated Internet broadcast signals thereby providing auser selected virtual broadcast radio network. In another embodiment,electronic device 300 may include a user interface operable tocommunicate with an Internet website operable to display selectableaudio information. The Internet website may be configured as auser-preferred environment displaying a users selected audioinformation. Internet broadcast selections, streaming audio selections,etc.

With a display device for displaying a Website having selectableinformation, electronic device 300 may allow a user to select audioinformation via a user interface and receive the selected informationvia wireless communication thereby providing a customizable WebRadiodevice for the user. In another embodiment, electronic device 300 may bea modular device configured to be coupled to, for example, a portion ofa cars interior. For example, electronic device 300 may be mounted to aportion of a car's console thereby providing a removably coupledelectronic device operable to wirelessly receive selected audioinformation. As a removable device, electronic device 300 may also becoupled to a home audio system, a portable radio system or other systemsthereby providing a versatile electronic device operable to receivewirelessly communicated selected audio information.

In another embodiment, electronic device 300 may be operable as a PDAand/or a cellular phone that may be mounted to an automobile's console.Electronic device 300 may then integrate with a user's automobile toprovide an all-encompassing communications device. For example,electronic device 300 configured as a PDA and cellular phone may allowfor communication with a user's email account, voice mail account, theInternet, as well as allowing for the receipt of selected audioinformation via wireless communication. Electronic device 300 may beoperable in a hands-free mode allowing a user to maintain safe drivingfundamentals. During use, electronic device 300 may be processingselective audio information for communicating with an automobile audiosystem and may further be operating to receive incoming cellular calls.

Electronic device 300 may be set-up by the user to pause the music beingplayed and allow the received cellular call to be communicated eithervia an independent speaker or utilizing the automobiles “audio system.”Additionally, electronic device 300 may be operable to adjust thelistening level of an automobile's audio system, it may play receivedvoice mail messages, allow a user to view the Internet, etc. In oneembodiment, electronic device 300 may be operable as a dual modeelectronic device capable of receiving both digital and analog wirelesscommunication signals. In this manner, electronic devices mayefficiently utilize available bandwidth for receiving selectedinformation from a communications engine. For example, transceiver 301may be a wireless communications modem operable to receive digital oranalog signals.

FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface (GUI) for displayingselectable audio information according to one aspect of the presentinvention. The GUI may be operable with a computer system, cellulardevice, PDA, or other electronic devices or systems operable to displaythe GUI of FIG. 4. The GUI, shown generally at 400, may be displayedusing a conventional web browser 402 such as Microsoft.®. InternetExplorer, a WAP browser, or other browsers operable to display the audioinformation. Browser 402 includes browser functions, shown collectivelyat 403, for navigating a network such as the Internet or an intranet.Homepage 401 may be displayed using browser 402 and may include severalfunctions, features, information, etc. related to audio information.Home page 401 may be developed using several different types ofprogramming (i.e., HTML, XML, Java, etc.) used to developing a networklocation or website.

The present invention is not limited to any one specific type ofsoftware and may be realized in plurality of ways as can be appreciatedby those skilled in the art. Homepage 401 may also include login region410 allowing a user to log into homepage 401 and display auser-preferred environment. For example, a user may want Radio Dial 412to appear when a user logs into homepage 401. In another embodiment, auser may want to view a current playlist selected by the user or thestatus of wirelessly communicated playlist. A user may also providedemographic information allowing advertisers to access the demographicinformation and provide advertisements based upon the demographicinformation. For example, an advertiser may want to target Hispanicfemales in the 21-25 year old age group.

Through providing demographic information to advertisers, when a userlogs into homepage 401 selective advertising can be “targeted” for agroup of users. Homepage 401 may also include several tabs forefficiently navigating homepage 401. Library tab 405 may be provided toallow a user to browse available audio information that may be presentedby title, genre, artist, decade, culture, etc. Store tab 407 may also beprovided for locating items available for purchase such as CDs, PDAdevices, MP3 players, wireless communication hardware, interfaces,software or other types of products that may be purchased while on-line.Chat tab 408 may also be provided allowing a user to chat with otherusers of home page 401. For example, a guest musical artist may beavailable to chat with visitors of home page 401 via a chat pageassociated with chat tab 408. Home page 401 may also include contest tab409 for displaying current contests, prizes, and/or winners.

Radio tab 406 may also be provided for displaying audio information. Forexample, radio tab 406 may display a collective menu 411 of selectablefunctions or features associated with audio information. Top ten listsmay be provided to a user based on several different billboard polls orgenres. A search engine may be provided allowing a user to search for aspecific type of audio information such as an artist, song title, andgenre. Internet radio station, etc. In one embodiment, a user may inputthe lyrics to a song within the search engine. As such, the searchengine may locate several different songs having the desirable lyricsand allow a user to select the search results. A user may also use aselect a device feature that allows a user to select a destinationdevice for communicating selected audio information. For example, a usermay want to communicate a playlist to several different devices such asa PDA, a home computer system, a work computer system, etc.

As such, a user can communicate selective information to several deviceswithout having to download the information separately for each device. Asend a friend link may also be provided allowing a user to sendselective audio information to a friend's electronic device. A user mayalso join a group comprised of individuals that select a certain genreof music to be communicated to the user's electronic device. Forexample, a user may want to join a group that plays only 50s swingmusic. As such, the user could communicate the group's selected songs tothe user's electronic device. A user may also utilize an email accountprovided by homepage 401 allowing a user to correspond with others viaemail. A user may also access a list of guest DJs that may provideplaylists of songs chosen by the guest DJ and selectable by a user.

In one embodiment, a user's radio dial 412 may be provided when aregistered user logs into homepage 401. As such, radio dial 412 mayinclude several functional buttons similar to conventional systems suchas a volume control and a station control. However, radio dial 412surpasses the limitations of conventional systems through providing aprogrammable radio dial of user customized audio information. Radio dial412 includes several stations that may be programmed using programinterface 413. The preset stations may include several different typesof user customized preset information such as user selected playlists,Internet broadcast stations, top lists, group playlists, artist-selectedlists, on-line radio station, conventional radio stations. Internetphone, cellular phone, etc. and other functions, features, orinformation associated with audio information.

Radio dial 412 may also be displayed as a separate user interface and insome embodiments, does not require a “browsing” environment to viewradio dial 412. For example, an electronic device, such as a PDA, havinga display may graphically present radio dial 412 to a user. One examplemay be using electronic device in association with an automobile audiosystem. Electronic device may display radio dial 412 and may allow auser to navigate, modify, select, adjust volume, access daytimer, accessphone lists, etc. or perform other functions while the electronic deviceis used in association with an automobile sound system. Therefore, radiodial 412 may be operable as an application for use with severaldifferent types of electronic devices (i.e., computer systems, portablecomputing devices, cellular phones, etc.) operable to display radio dial412 and in come embodiments may be wirelessly communicated to anelectronic device.

In another embodiment, homepage 401 may allow a user to select when todownload the information to an electronic device. For example, a usermay want to listen to a certain genre of music at a specific time of daythereby allowing a user to select the information. As such, a user mayselect a different playlist for every day of the week thereby allowing auser to listen to different songs on different days of the week. Theuser can further identify when the selected playlist should be availablefor listening. For example, if a user wanted to listen to “playlist #1”on Monday morning during the drive into work between 8:00 am and 9:00am, the user would enter the time and the day “playlist #1” would beavailable for listening. In this manner, the playlist may becommunicated to the electronic device thereby allowing a user to listento selective audio information at a desirable time.

FIG. 5A illustrates a portable radio system having a mount for anelectronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.Portable radio 500 includes a mount 501 operable to receive electronicdevice 502. Mount 501 may include a connector operable to providecommunications and power to electronic device 502. During use,electronic device 502 when mounted within portable radio 500communicates with portable radio to provide remotely received selectiveaudio information. In one embodiment, electronic device 502 may includea user interface allowing a user to access the Internet. Therefore,selective audio information located on the Internet may be accessed bythe user and remotely communicated to electronic device 502 coupled toportable radio 500.

In another embodiment, portable radio 500 may include memory operablylocated within for storing downloaded information. For example, portableradio 500 may include 32 MB of RAM allowing electronic device 502 toreceive selective information and download the selective information tomemory located within portable radio 500. In this manner, the downloadedmusic may be operable to be played within portable radio 500 whileallowing electronic device to be removed from portable radio 500.Therefore, portable radio 500 including electronic device 502 allows auser to communicate selected audio information to portable radio 500.

FIG. 5B illustrates automobile console having a mount for coupling anelectronic device according to one aspect of the present invention.Console 510 includes mount 511 operable to receive electronic device512. Mount 511 may be located in many different locations within anautomobile such as coupled to a sun visor, center console, dashboard,floorboard, etc. Mount 511 allows the user to couple electronic device512 to the automobile and provide an interface for communication betweenelectronic device 512 and the automobile audio system. Mount 511 mayalso include a power connection that allows electronic device 512 to usethe automobiles power during use. The power connection may also be usedin association with a recharging circuit operable to recharge a powersupply within the electronic device. During operation, electronic device512 coupled to mount 511 may receive selected audio information viawireless communication and communicate the selective information to theautomobile audio system.

In one embodiment, the automobile may include memory operable associatedwith the automobile for storing-information. The memory may be used inassociation with mount 511 and electronic device 512 to store theselected audio information. In this manner, voluminous audio informationcan be stored within the memory allowing electronic device 512 toreceive additional information. In one embodiment, a mount may beprovided for a home audio system (not shown) for downloading selectedaudio information for use with a home audio system. For example, a mountdevice may be coupled to a home stereo system such that the upon placingan electronic device such as electronic device 500 within the mount,selected audio information may be communicated to the home audio systemthereby allowing a home audio system to be used in association with anelectronic device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a system for communicating voicemail messages using email according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. The system, indicated generally at 600, includes email server601 coupled to a voice mail storage device 602. System 600 furtherincludes a computer system or network terminal 603 such as a computercoupled to network 604. System 600 further includes mount 605 formounting electronic device 606 for hardwire communication ofinformation. Device 606 may also communicate with network 604 using awirelessly communication network operably associated with network 604and coupled, for example, via tower 607.

During operation, system 600 communicates voice mail messages to a userutilizing email server 601. For example, if a user receives a voice mailmessage, email server 601 would be notified and a voice mail messagewould be sent to the user's email account in the form of an emailmessage. For example, a voice mail message would be sent to a user'semail account within intranet 604 in the form of an audio file as anattachment to the email. Upon receiving the email, a user may click onthe audio file representing the voice mail message to hear the messageleft by a caller.

In one embodiment, a user may be accessing the Internet via a phone lineand, as such, be unable to receive notification that a voice mailmessage has been received. System 600 would receive the voice mailmessage and send an email comprising the voice mail message to the useremail account. In this manner, a user can remain connected to thenetwork and receive voice mail without having to log off or disconnectfrom the Internet. In one embodiment, a user may receive the voice mailmessage via a portable electronic device. For example, a user may beusing remote device 605 operable to receive wirelessly communicatedinformation. System 600 would receive the voice mail message and forwardthe voice mail message to a user's portable electronic device 606. Inthis manner, a user may be capable of receiving voice emails at remotelocations.

In another embodiment, a user may subscribe to use an Internet emailaccount that may be operably associated with system 600. Utilizing anInternet email account may allow a user the flexibility to check voiceemail messages from any location in the world. For example, a user mayaccess a “Hotmail” email account while traveling on business in aforeign country. The user, upon gaining access to the “Hotmail” account,would be able to listen to voice mail messages sent to the user via the“Hotmail” email account. Through utilizing an email account to receivevoice mail messages, a user may be afforded great flexibility incommunicating voice mail messages. For example, a user may be able toforward a voice mail message received in the form of an email to one ora plurality of other email accounts. In this manner, a voice emailmessage may be sent efficiently to other email users.

For example, a user may maintain a distribution list of individualsworking on a particular project that may have a need to hear certainvoice email messages. In this manner, a user may efficiently disseminateinformation to other individuals while adding additional textualinformation to the body of the email allowing a user to comment on theoriginal voice email message. In another embodiment, a user may forwarda received voice email message to another account operable to receiveforwarded voice email messages. For example, system 600 may be operableto receive an email message having a voice mail message as anattachment. The system would then be operable to forward the voice mailmessage to specified phone number, separate email account, and/or voicemail account, etc. thereby providing a user flexibility in receivingvoice email.

In one embodiment, a user may utilize an email account to establish ananswering service for voice mails. For example, a user's telephonenumber may be operable with an email account to provide an answeringservice. A user may record a message for a specified phone number orextension and, upon receiving an incoming call; the recorded message maybe played back to incoming the call's initiator. System 600 would thenforward the received voicemail message via an email account to the user.For example, a user may have an account set up at a residence forreceiving voicemail messages via a user-defined email account. The usercould then forward all received voice mails from the home account to anemail account at a place of work. Therefore, the user may have completeaccess to received voicemail messages. In the same manner, a user couldset up their work phone number to forward a voicemail message to theuser's home email account thereby allowing a user to receive a voicemailat a home email account. Therefore, system 600 may be operable in aplurality of ways to provide email messages comprised of voicemailmessages received via a voice mail or email account.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for providing voice email messagesaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. The method beginsat step 701 where a voice mail message is left for a user. The messagecould be at a residence, place of business, etc. The method thenproceeds to step 702 where the message may be stored as an audio filewithin a database operable to store a file comprised of the voice mailmessage. Upon storing the file, the method proceeds to step 703 where anelectronic mail message may be generated. The electronic mail messagemay be addressed to the recipient of the voice mail message. The methodthen proceeds to step 704 where the audio file representing the voicemail message is attached to the electronic message.

Upon attaching the audio file, the method then proceeds to step 705where the email message may be sent to the email address. Upon sendingthe email message the method proceeds to step 706 where the methoddetermines if the email message should be sent to a wireless electronicdevice. If the message is not to be sent to a wireless device, themethod proceeds to step 720 where the method ends. If the message is tobe sent to a wireless electronic device, the method proceeds to step 707where a signal may be sent to the wireless electronic device and at step708 an indication is provided to the electronic device indicating that avoicemail message has been received via a user's email account. Themethod may then proceed to step 709 where the user decides whether ornot to listen to the voice email message. If the user decides not tolisten to the voice email message, the method may proceed to step 710where the method ends. If the user decides to listen to the voice emailmessage, the method proceeds to step 711 where a request may be sent bythe electronic device requesting the voice email message be forwarded tothe user's electronic device.

At step 712, the voicemail message may be sent to the user's electronicdevice. Upon forwarding the voicemail message to the user the method mayproceed to step 720 where the method ends. As such, FIG. 7 depicts onemethod of providing an email message comprised of a voice mail message.Certainly, other methods may be deployed as advancements in technologyand are made without departing for the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for providing selectedaudio information to an electronic device according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. The method begins at step 800 where a useraccesses a webpage via the Internet. The webpage may be a home pageillustrated in FIG. 4 or other web pages operable to display selectablereferences to audio information. The method proceeds to step 801 where auser selects desirable audio information. For example, a user may selecta single song, a plurality different songs, an entire album, a broadcaststation, streaming audio, etc. or other selectable audio information.Upon the user selecting a reference to audio information, the method mayproceed to step 802 where a playlist may be created that represents theuser's selected audio information.

The playlist may be variable in size and comprised of a plurality ofdifferent types of available audio information. Upon creating aplaylist, the method may proceed to step 803 where informationassociated with the playlist is obtained. For example, a list of networkor URL locations comprised of the desirable audio information may beobtained. In this manner, desirable audio information may be obtainedfrom many different sources such as URLs, network addresses, harddrives, databases comprised of audio information, etc. The sources maybe accessed to obtain the selected audio information.

Upon obtaining data associated with the customized playlist, the methodmay proceed to step 804 where the user is prompted for a destination forthe playlist. For example, a user may want to communicate the selectedaudio information to a remote electronic device, an automobile audiosystem, a home stereo system, a home computer, an electronic devicecoupled to a home network or computer system, etc. or other locations ordevices operable to receive the selected audio information. In oneembodiment, a user may select a device owned by a friend to accept theselected audio information. For example, a husband may want to send aromantic playlist to his wife on their anniversary. In this situation,the husband would select his wife's electronic device as the receivingdevice for the selected audio information.

Upon selecting a device, the method proceeds to step 805 where themethod determines the destination of the selected audio information. Ifthe information is to be sent to a device via a wire line connection,the method proceeds to step 813 where playlist data is sent to a uservia a wire line connection. The method may then proceed to step 814where the playlist is executed at the device. If the information is tobe sent to a device requiring wireless communication, the methodproceeds to step 806 where the information is formatted forcommunicating the information to a wireless electronic device. Forexample, a wireless PDA device may be selected as a destination devicefor the selected audio information. The PDA device may include an audioplayer, such as an MP3 player operable to play or execute MP3 audiofiles. In such an embodiment, the method could format the informationsuch that the information may be wirelessly communicated andsubsequently played by the MP3 player.

Upon formatting the information, the method may then proceed to step 807where the audio information is wirelessly communicated to the selecteddevice. In some embodiments, the device may be operable to receive alimited amount of information based upon storage capacity of the device(i.e., 16 MB). In such a case, the method may divide the informationinto component parts and periodically communicate the component parts,such as packets, to the electronic device. Upon communicating the audioinformation, the method may then proceed to step 808 where the signalmay be received by the destination or electronic device.

The method may then proceed to step 809 where the method determines ifall of the audio information has been received. For example, if 16 MB or32 MB of selected audio information was initially transmitted due tocapacity limitations of the selected device, the method may query theselected device to determine if capacity is available. If availablememory exists, the method may proceed to step 807 where the method maycommunicate additional audio information based upon the amount ofavailable memory. The method repeats until all of the selected audioinformation has been transmitted.

Upon communicating the selected information, the method may proceed tostep 810 where the playlist may be executed. For example, a user mayselect a continuous communication of selected audio information (e.g.,several hours of music, Internet broadcast, etc.). As such, the methodmay continuously play or execute the received audio information. Inanother embodiment, the method may proceed to step 811 where the methodmay store or buffer the received information until it is desirable toexecute the received selected audio information. As such, upon executingthe selected audio information, the method may proceed to step 809 wherethe method may repeat. In one embodiment, a user may elect to download abroadcast of an on-line radio station. For example, a user may want tolisten to a radio station located in a remote location whereinconventional radio receivers could not receive the desired broadcast.For example, a person living in Houston, Tex. may not be able to receivea radio broadcast signal from a radio station in Seattle, Wash.utilizing a conventional radio receiver.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a user mayselect an on-line broadcast or radio station as all or a part of theselected audio information. The user may then receive radio broadcastswithout having to use a home computer system or conventional radioreceiver.

At step 804, a user may select a device that does not require remotecommunication of information. For example, a user may elect tocommunicate the selected audio information to device, such as a personalcomputer, PDA device, MP3 player, etc. coupled via a network connectionto the Internet or an Intranet. The user may receive the selectedplaylist at the determined device for eventual playing. In oneembodiment, a user may select a plurality of devices as destinationdevices for receiving downloads of the selected audio information. Forexample, the user may want to download the information to a home stereosystem, a PDA device, and an automobile stereo. As such, the selectedinformation may be communicated to more than one destination device. Inaddition, the format of the download may match or conform to theselected destination device(s).

The present invention may be configured in a plurality of ways tocommunicate desirable audio information to users by allowing users toselect desirable audio information and transmitting the desirable audioinformation to a specified destination thereby allowing a user toreceive on-demand customized audio information. Moreover, the downloadmay occur in an off-line environment, allowing a user to enjoy theselected audio information accessed on-line without having to be on-lineor utilizing a browsing environment. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the method of FIG. 8 may be modified to allow a user toselect a “user group” for receiving customized audio information. Forexample, a “user group” may include users that prefer contemporary jazzwherein a user may request a certain song. Therefore, a virtual requestline may be designed for a specific genre of music allowing “members” totransmit audio information to the “group”.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the method may bemodified to allow a user to select a specific genre to be transmitted tothe users device. For example, a user may elect to have random countryand western music transmitted to a destination device. The user couldefficiently create a radio station format and have the format receivedat a destination device.

In a further embodiment, a user may select a group of genres to bedownloaded to a desirable device. As such, the method may be modified toallow a user to select several different genres to download random musicwithin the specified genres. In another embodiment, a user may elect todownload the same music as another individual. For example, a user maywant to download the same music as their best friend. Therefore the usercould elect to download the same music as their friend or group offriends. In another example, a user may want to listen to the same musicthat an artist listens to on a specific weekday of evening. For example,a user may want to listen to the same music that Barry White listens toon a Saturday night.

Therefore, the user may select “Barry White's” Saturday night playlistand receive the same playlist Barry White receives on Saturday night. Inanother embodiment, the method of FIG. 8 may be modified to allow a userto manipulate song post download. For example, a user may want to store,delete, replay, copy, forward, etc. received audio information.Therefore, the method of FIG. 4 may be modified such that a user canmanipulate or process the received audio information in a plurality ofways. In one embodiment of the present invention, an on-line radiostation may be provided. For example, the radio station may be createdfor transmitting audio or on-line broadcasts. The on-line broadcastersor hosts may create their own format for broadcast. For example, anon-line radio station may be provided that transmits only children'ssongs.

Prior to conception of the present invention, conventional radiostations were monetarily limited to be capable of transmitting musicsuch as children's songs to conventional radio receivers. The presentinvention, by providing a medium for transmitting selectable audioinformation, enables the existence of on-line broadcasting with littleor no overhead cost for a host. A user may select an on-line broadcastfor on-line or off-line delivery. In another embodiment, on-linebroadcast of audio information representing books or novels may beprovided to individuals such as the visually impaired. For example, anon-line broadcast station may provide several hours of audio informationbroadcast representing books or novels to be broadcast with very littleoverhead.

FIG. 9 illustrates an automobile console having a mount for anelectronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.Console 900 includes a conventional audio system 901 comprised of areceiver 902 and CD player 903. Interface 904 may be coupled to audiosystem 901 via plug 905 and cable 908, which may be coupled to anauxiliary line into audio system 901. Interface 904 may also includecontact 906 for contacting electronic device 907. Cable 908 may be amultiple conductive cable for providing power from the automobiles powersystem via a protection circuit or fuse 909 for powering electronicdevice 907. In one embodiment, interface 904 may be operable to rechargeelectronic device 907 utilizing a power source associated with anautomobile.

During operation, electronic device 907 may be mounted within interface904. Electronic device 907 may also be powered or recharged via powerline 910 and communicate with the systems audio system via interfacecable or bus line 911. Audio information communicated to electronicdevice 907 may be transferred to audio system 901 such that a user maylisten to selected audio information. For example, a user may havepreviously selected a plurality of audio files to be transmitted toelectronic device 907. Electronic device 907 may communicate theselected audio information to the automobiles audio system that utilizesinterface 901 thereby allowing the user to listen to selected audioinformation. In one embodiment, cable 908 may be custom-installed toaudio system 901. For example, the cable may be coupled to an auxiliaryline for the system's radio or may be coupled to CD player line 912.

In another embodiment, a radio manufacturer may provide interface 904 asa standard interface integrated into the audio system, thereby allowingcommunication between electronic device 907, audio system 901 and/orconsole 900. Electronic device 907 may include a plurality of differenttypes of devices. For example, electronic device 907 may include a PDAdevice operable to store selected audio information. The information maybe either remotely downloaded using an Internet web browser and wirelesscommunication to the PDA device. In another embodiment, selected audioinformation may communicated to a PDA device via a hard wire coupled toa computer system interfacing with the Internet. In another embodiment,electronic device 907 may include an audio file player operable to playaudio files such as MP3s, etc.

The audio files may be remotely or locally communicated to electronicdevice 907 and upon coupling to audio system 901, the audio files may betransmitted to audio system 901 in a form receivable by audio system901. Although the disclosed embodiments have been described in detail,it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made to the embodiments without departing from theirspirit and scope.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) thatmay cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature or element of the present invention. Accordingly, the presentinvention is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forthherein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives,modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within thespirit and scope of the invention as provided by the claims below.

While the present invention has been described with respect to a limitednumber of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerousmodifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appendedclaims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of this present invention.

1. A broadcast system, comprising: a network based resource maintaininginformation associated with a network available representation of aregional broadcasting channel that can be selected by a user of awireless telephone device; and a computer-readable medium includinginstructions that when executed, enable the wireless telephone device:to present at least a partial listing of available media sources on adisplay associated with the wireless telephone device, wherein thelisting includes a selectable item that enables user selection of theregional broadcasting channel; to transmit a request for the regionalbroadcasting channel from the wireless telephone device; and to receivea streaming media signal in the wireless telephone device correspondingto the regional broadcasting channel, wherein the wireless telephonedevice is outside of a broadcast region of the regional broadcastingchannel.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable mediumfurther comprises instructions to further receive information about asong included in the streaming media signal, and wherein the display isoperable to present a graphical representation of at least a portion ofthe information.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the regionalbroadcasting channel is an FM radio signal, and wherein the FM radiosignal is received in the wireless telephone device via the Internet. 4.The system of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable medium furthercomprises instructions to enable the display to display a list of topsongs.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable mediumfurther comprises instructions to enable display of on-demand audioinformation selectable by a user.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputer-readable medium further comprises instructions to provide asearch engine to search for a selected media information based on atleast one of artist, song, and genre.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe computer-readable medium further comprises instructions to receive alog in from a user of the wireless telephone device and to display apreferred user environment associated with the user.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the preferred user environment comprises a currentplaylist selected by the user.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputer-readable medium further comprises instructions to present thepartial listing of available media sources within a graphical userinterface displayed without use of a web browser.
 10. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the preferred user environment comprises a radio dialthat is a separate user interface outside of a browsing environment. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the computer-readable medium furthercomprises instructions to buffer at least a portion of the streamingmedia signal.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion ofthe streaming media signal represents video content, further wherein thewireless telephone device is configured to output the video content. 13.The system of claim 1, wherein the network based resource comprises anelectronic device having a network address.
 14. A method for providingbroadcast content, comprising: maintaining a system configured todeliver regionally broadcasted content to an electronic device locatedoutside a region receiving the regionally broadcasted content, whereinthe electronic device comprises a wireless telephone, a display todisplay a menu of soft buttons selectable to enable selection of contentby the electronic device, and a housing component at least partiallydefining a cavity in which a memory system is secured; providing anapplication for the electronic device that allows the electronic deviceto request a streaming media signal representing the regionallybroadcasted content even if the electronic device is located outside ofthe region; and communicating the streaming media signal to theelectronic device responsive to a request of a user of the electronicdevice.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the streaming media signalcomprises an audio signal and information about a song included in thestreaming media signal, further wherein the display is operable topresent a graphical representation of the information.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the information includes at least one of a song title,a song artist, a song decade, and a song genre.
 17. The method of claim14, further comprising transmitting the regionally broadcasted contentto a limited geographic area.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein theregionally broadcasted content comprises video content.
 19. The methodof claim 14, further comprising transmitting a software update to theelectronic device that modifies the application.
 20. The method of claim14, further comprising transmitting advertisements to the electronicdevice.
 21. The method of claim 14, further comprising transmittingadvertisements to the electronic device, wherein the advertisements aretargeted to a specific demographic.